|
|
John
Bussman, right and Duane Torkelson check the curds at
the Torkelson Cheese Co. cheese plant north of Lena.
Bussman, who developed Apple Jack cheese has teamed up with Torkelson to continue
the production of the cheese at the Torkelson cheese
plant.
Apple
Jack cheese, which was developed by cheesemaker John
Bussman of Warren, is an award winning cheese, having
won the Illinois Governor Sweepstakes award in the past
and many other blue ribbons.
Bussman who retired from
the cheesemaking business in January 2003, hated to see one
of his favorite cheeses disappear. He approached Duane
Torkelson of the Torkelson Cheese Company of Lena, who
has been making the cheese at his cheese factory since
March 2003. The cheese can be found at the cheese plant
"I have known Duane and
Cheryl Torkelson for many years," Bussman said.
"We've had a cheesemaking relationship for many
years, so I approached them about making the cheese."
Bussman and Torkelson are pleased
with their joint effort in making a healthy cheese.
Torkelson has been making cheese
for 30 years and has won many World Champion awards
for his brick and Muenster cheeses. Bussman wanted the
joint effort with Torkelson because of his many awards
for his cheeses.
Bussman's
son Hans, who operated the family business with his
father took the culture combinations for the Apple Jack
cheese to Torkelsons to help them get started in continuing
the production for the cheese.
With
the ever increasing awareness for health, and constant
warnings from doctors to cut cheese from the diet, Bussman
and Torkelson want to point out that Apple Jack cheese
is one of the few cheeses on the market that is a healthy
cheese. The cheese is not made from an animal rennet,
which is a key ingredient to making cheese. The rennet
that is added to Apple Jack is microbial, which means
that it is developed in a lab. The cheese also has no
color additives or preservatives.
Apple
Jack cheese was first developed by Bussman in the early
1980's. After testing at his cheese plant in Warren,
it was first made in Apple River in 1982. After the
Apple River cheese plant was closed, Apple Jack was
made at the Warren Cheese Plant, which was owned and
operated by Bussman until his retirement this past January
2003.
Apple Jack cheese is a
mild, creamy and a very smooth cheese. It is also a
very versatile cheese that is good on a cracker or melted
for cooking. As it ages, the smooth taste just gets
better.
Apple
Jack was created from cultures normally used for Cheddar,
Monterey Jack and Swiss cheeses. These were combined
to create an entirely new taste.
The
name came from the town named Apple River, which is
located in a quiet hamlet along the Illinois/Wisconsin
border, and the Jack out of Monterey, a sister to Apple
Jack Cheese.
Bussman
who has been a part of the cheese making business most
of his life is proud of his Apple Jack cheese. Going
off into retirement is a new adventure for him, but
he can rest easy knowing that one of his biggest accomplishments
in the cheese making business will continue.
|
Apple
Jack Cheese Remains Available.